These courses are open to Biological Sciences majors and minors who want to extend their learning experience by completing an in-depth library research project (119:201, 202) or participating in a scientific research project (all others). Research experience is recommended for all students intending to pursue post-graduate studies.

Upon approval, up to 6 credits of these courses may be used towards fulfillment of the Biological Sciences elective requirement.

119:307 or higher may be used towards fulfilling one of the Biological Sciences laboratory requirements (three labs total are required for the major).

Offered

Fall, Spring, and Summer

Credits

1- 6 by permission of the Office of Undergraduate Instruction (4-5 hours of work per week, per credit).

Prerequisites

Open only to Biological Sciences majors and minors. Minimum GPA = 2.8 required.

In order to register for research in Biological Sciences, students must submit 1) a one page research proposal and 2) a research application signed by the student's P.I. The proposal must include: necessary background material, a specific hypothesis to be tested, a description of the data that the student will collect, expected results, and a "plan b" for what will happen if the intended research project cannot be completed. Here is the research application.

Honors in Biology is open only to Seniors majoring in biological sciences with a major GPA of 3.4 or higher and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Registration for Honors in Biology qualifies a student for graduation with departmental honors. Please note that Departmental Honors is a separate distinction from SAS or SEBS school honors programs.

Course Description

(119:201/202) is intended to augment the curriculum by giving students an opportunity to expand their studies into areas not specifically addressed by the formal course offerings. Students work under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor to delve into a subject of mutual interest.

(119:307/308/406/407) is intended to provide students with an opportunity to experience the scientific discovery process. Students engage in laboratory and/or field experimentation under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Each student is expected to carry out his/her own research project. "Hands-on" laboratory exposure is an essential component of this course.

(119:408/409) is intended to provide highly motivated students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a scientific research project. Students engage in laboratory and/or field experimentation under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Each student is expected to complete his/her own original research project. "Hands-on" laboratory exposure is an essential component of this course. Honors in Biology projects are expected to be more sophisticated than Research in Biology projects and must be accompanied by an Honors Thesis.

119:201,202: To understand and to appreciate the process of science. To acquire the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method.

119:307,308: To understand and develop an appreciation for research as the basis of scientific study. To understand and to appreciate the process of science. To acquire the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method. To understand biology as a framework of related concepts. Student should appreciate not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.

119:406, 407: To understand and develop an appreciation for research as the basis of scientific study. To understand and to appreciate the process of science. To acquire the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method. To understand biology as a framework of related concepts. Student should appreciate not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines.

119:408, 409: To understand and develop an appreciation for research as the basis of scientific study. To understand and to appreciate the process of science. To acquire the ability to use scientific reasoning as embodied by the structured process commonly known as the scientific method. To understand biology as a framework of related concepts. Student should appreciate not only the connections within biology but also the connections between biology and other scientific disciplines. To develop academic skills that will provide a foundation for success in advanced courses, gate-keeper standardized tests, graduate or professional school, and life-long learning. To acquire the appropriate factual and conceptual knowledge that provides student with a foundation on which they can further their immediate education and to manage a career.

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

Independent Study in Biology: A term paper in appropriate scientific format, including a full bibliography (citing peer-reviewed primary and secondary sources) is due at the end of the registration period. The term paper should be at least 10 pages per registered credit and must be graded by the faculty advisor prior to submission to OUGI.

Research in Biology: A written research paper in the format of paper submitted to a leading journal in the field is required at the end of each registration period. The research paper should include an Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results (data should be presented in figure and/or tabular form), Discussion and References. A minimum of 10 pages is required. The research summary must be graded by the faculty mentor prior to submission to OUGI.

Honors in Biology: Students must complete a minimum of 6 credits to qualify for Departmental Honors. Students must submit a progress report at the end of the first semester and a written thesis accompanied by an oral presentation and thesis-defense at the end of the second semester. The thesis committee must be composed of at least three faculty members, including the research advisor and at least one member of the SAS Division of Life Sciences faculty.